School Uniform
School Uniform for Years 7 to 11
The wearing of the Birchwood uniform is expected of students in Years 7-11. If there is any reason why a student cannot wear the correct school uniform, then they should bring a letter from home explaining why and for how long the situation is expected to last. Students with a medical condition that prevents them from abiding by our uniform expectations must have a letter from a medical professional explaining this.
Students should expect an internal sanction for breach of uniform. A uniform card will be issued by the relevant Head of Year to any student who is not in full uniform for an “acceptable” reason. The card can then be shown to any member of staff who questions the deficiency.
Information on PE Uniform can be found at the bottom of this page.
Uniform Suppliers
Esquared Clothing
Birchwood High School uniform is available to purchase from Esquared Clothing.
Visit myesquared.co.uk to browse the full range.
Khalsa Schoolwear
Uniform can also be purchased through Khalsa Schoolwear.
For details, visit: khalsaschoolwear.co.uk/school/birchwood-high-school
General Uniform Items
Items such as shirts, blouses, and black trousers can be purchased from many local retailers.
Pre-Loved Uniform
The PSFA offers a selection of pre-loved uniform and encourages parents/carers to make use of this service.
For more information, please email: psfapreloved@gmail.com .
|
Uniform Item |
Required or Optional | Branded or Generic |
|---|---|---|
|
Blazer: maroon fitted blazer with Birchwood logo. |
Required | Branded item (All) |
|
Blouse (no tie) |
Required | Generic |
|
Shirt (with tie) |
Required | Generic |
| Jumper: maroon | Optional | Generic |
|
Trousers: smart black ‘business suit style’ not to include leggings, jeans, jeggings or other skinny tight-fitting fashion trousers. Or Tailored Shorts: plain black or dark grey in a tailored or chino style with standard side and rear pockets only. Approximately knee-length or just above the knee. |
Required | Generic |
| Skirt: knee-length tartan skirt. | Required | Branded item (Girls) |
| Ties: silver with burgundy stripe. | Required (Boys) | Branded item (All) |
| Socks/Tights: plain black, grey or white ankle or knee-length socks or plain black opaque tights. | Required but Tights Optional | Generic |
| Shoes: classic black waterproof school shoes without logo. Trainers, plimsolls, sling-backs, high heels, platform shoes and boots are not permitted. | Required | Generic |
General Points:
- Blazers must be worn at all times unless a teacher gives a student permission to remove them.
- One plain gold/silver stud earring may be worn in each earlobe only. Rings, necklaces and bracelets/charity bands must not be worn. Nose studs and any other types of facial or body piercing are not permitted.
- Coats/jackets may only be worn to and from school, or when students are in outdoor areas. They should not be worn at any time in the school building. Denim, leather and track-suit type jackets and hooded tops are not acceptable. These and other jackets regarded as unsuitable for school will be confiscated.
- Shirts/Blouses must be tucked in at all times (front and back).
- Trousers should be smart black ‘business suit style’, not leggings, jeans, jeggings or other skinny tight-fitting fashion trousers. Trousers which the school deems as fashionable extremes or which pose health and safety issues are also unacceptable.
- Skirts should be worn properly on the waist and should be on the knee. Students are not permitted to roll up their skirts.
- Students are not permitted to adapt their jumpers, for example, by tying them at the back.
- Hair colouring which the school deems as unnatural or a fashionable extreme is not permitted. Hairbands are only permitted in black or maroon, they should be plain and be no wider than 3cm.
- Make-up is not allowed in Years 7,8 and 9. In Years 10 and 11, it may be worn discreetly. Nail painting, false nails and false eyelashes are not acceptable.
- Bags should be large enough to accommodate A4 ring binders and to carry all of each day’s books comfortably.
- Students may wear a plain black scarf to and from school and outside at lunchtime. Students should not wear scarves in the school buildings.
- Shoes must be black leather and no trainers of any description should be worn.
PE Uniform
Compulsory PE kit requirements for all lessons are as follows:
- Birchwood white polo top (Branded item - all)
- Black skort or shorts (this item does not need to be branded)
- Black/maroon hooped socks (this item does not need to be branded) for outdoor activities such as rugby, football and hockey or white sports socks (indoor activities)
- Branded rugby shirt (Branded item - Boys)
- Students are also required to wear shin pads for all football and hockey lessons
- Mouthguards are strongly recommended for rugby and hockey lessons
During the colder months, we would expect and encourage students to also wear extra layers, as most lessons will be timetabled outdoors. Therefore, it is the students' responsibility to ensure that they are appropriately prepared for lessons, taking into account the weather.
Students may wear:
- Black ¼ zip up jumper or crew-neck black jumper
- Plain black leggings or joggers
- Plain black or white base layer, long sleeved under shirt
- Dark-coloured gloves can also be worn, but if playing netball, they must have a rubber-type grip on the fingers/palms
Students may not wear:
- Hoodies of any kind
- Brightly coloured/ patterned tracksuits or extra layers
- Inappropriate length shorts
